By Sarah Robinson

Last updated 10:04, Thursday, 24 July 2008

A GROUP of British athletes stayed in a Whitehaven hotel before completing the C2C cycle route last week.

Steve Cram and partner Allison Curbishley (400 silver Commonwealth) along with Daley Thompson and Steve’s son Marcus Cram, stayed at the Georgian House Hotel on Church Street on Monday, July 14 before setting off on the C2C the following morning.

After a 5am start, the group completed the route in 13 and a half hours.

Mr Cram and Mr Thompson were aiming to complete the C2C in one day to raise money for the children’s charity, COCO, which was founded by Steve.

The charity, Comrades Of Children Overseas, was set up eight years ago by Steve after he visited Bosnia for a marathon and saw first-hand the suffering of local children.

More than £1.2m has been raised through the COCO charity. It is active in village communities all over the world.

This is the second time this year that Mr Cram and Miss Curbishley have raised funds for COCO by completing the C2C route.

The pair stayed in the town in April.

Lee Martin, of the Georgian House Hotel said: “I almost didn’t recognise Steve Cram when he came to stay, he checked in and I wasn’t sure who he was until he gave his name.

“I recognised Daley Thompson straight away though.

“They were really friendly and we hope that they come back to stay with us again.”